The Colombo stock index ended up 0.15 percent at
6,241.10, ending three sessions of losses.

The index hit a near-eight-month low on Tuesday on concerns
that the proposed hike in various taxes and fees would reduce
disposable income and challenge consumption-led growth, analysts
said.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Market is up on bargain-hunting by foreigners but it's not
a major factor at the moment unless the trend is going to
continue," said Dimantha Mathew, head of research at First
Capital Equities (Pvt) Ltd.

"I feel its like a one-off thing. Investors are concerned
over the current uncertainty and we could see volatility in the
market with the current economic uncertainty."

The government aims to boost its 2017 tax revenue by 27
percent to 1.82 trillion rupees year-on-year and meet a
commitment given to the International Monetary Fund in return
for a $1.5 billion loan in May.

The market shrugged off the central bank's key monetary
policy decision on Tuesday to keep rates unchanged. Brokers said
investors are concerned about sustainability of rates.

Turnover stood at 579.6 million rupees ($3.89 million), much
less than this year's daily average of 694.6 million rupees.

ADVERTISEMENT

Foreign investors bought a net 48.1 million rupees worth of
shares on Wednesday, but have been net sellers of 1.64 billion
rupees worth of shares so far this year.